IP Mobility Management for the Airborne Communications Node Platform

Abstract

The Airborne Communications Node (ACN) platform supports many communications services, including IP-based data services. Mobility management is needed to ensure that packet delivery operates properly in the presence of mobility, and that smooth handoffs occur between points of attachment to the network. In this paper, IP mobility management mechanisms are explained and a network architecture to support IP mobility management in the ACN platform is introduced. We show how the various network elements involved could be used in the ACN platform, and discuss the design issues and choices.